Welcome

Hi there! Thank you for downloading our New Zealand Planner and for using gapyear.com. We hope that you find this planner useful to help sort your trip, either as a solo journey or as part of a round the world trip. As a reminder, this planner interacts with sections on gapyear.com and is part of a series of FREE downloadable planners that we produce for you. The stuff we do can only be improved by feedback from you - we're listening - so drop me an email to tomgriffiths@gapyear.com if you have feedback (good or bad), or any suggestions / improvements to anything we do.

 

Tom Griffiths

 

Founder of gapyear.com

Dan Bennett, Author, New Zealand Planner

Hey! Congratulations - you've just downloaded a planner for the best country in the world. I've gone backpacking in New Zealand twice in the last three years, and I'm still dead keen to get back out there for a third time!

NZ was my first real experience backpacking alone and I'll never forget the people I met or the way the scenery had my jaw continually scraping along the ground. My trip steered my life in a totally different direction - since my first trip I've become a keen photographer, an avid hiker and developed a real sense of confidence and self-sufficiency.

Both trips took me from the quaint Englishness of Christchurch up to the international centre of busy Auckland via the very best that both islands have to offer. I know there'll be people out there that try to steer you towards spending all your time on the West Island (I think the natives call it Australia), but you'll regret not setting aside an extra few weeks to see the most New Zealand has to offer you. Whether you're an adrenaline addict heading for Queenstown, a culture vulture checking out the Maori history or just a lover of the outdoors setting off for one of the fourteen Kiwi national parks, I can personally guarantee you'll find something to do that changes your perception of the world.

Although we really want to tell you about how great New Zealand is, we enjoy hearing about your opinions and experiences even more! Once you get over there, send us a postcard to the address below, as we'd love to know how you're getting on with exploring the most incredible place you'll ever see.

Take care, and have a blast!

Dan Bennett

Send us a postcard to:

Gapyear.com, 2 Chalfont Square, Ipswich, UK. IP4 2AJ

or email a photo and some words to community@gapyear.com

Contents

Introduction

Welcome ............................................................................................................ 1

Contents ............................................................................................................. 1

General / Pre-Arrival Information

How Do I Get There? ...................................................................................... 2

Visas for New Zealand ................................................................................... 3

Weather Map .................................................................................................... 4

Places To See / Things To Do

What's Happening? ........................................................................................ 5

Sights To See ..................................................................................................... 6

Backpacker Tours and Activities ................................................................ 7

Dan's Trip Around New Zealand ................................................................ 8

Recommended Hostels ................................................................................ 9-10

Money Saving Vouchers ............................................................................... 11-12

Working in New Zealand ............................................................................. 13

What Things Cost... ......................................................................................... 14

Adventurous Activities ................................................................................. 15

The Great Walks ............................................................................................... 16

Useful Information

Travelmates ....................................................................................................... 17

Keeping in Touch ............................................................................................ 17

Plan Your Trip

Route Builder Maps ........................................................................................ 18-20

Full Route Builders .......................................................................................... 21-22

Notes ................................................................................................................... 23

"Build Your Own" Around the World Trip! ............................................... 24

How Do I Get There?

Unless you're keen on really long voyages, the only real way to get to the remote islands of New Zealand is by plane. The type of flight you purchase will be determined by several factors, including the amount you're willing to spend on a ticket and whether or not you intend to stay in New Zealand employed under a working visa, or simply exploring under the free six-month visa granted to British passport-holders.

I've only got six months to explore

If you're short on time (never recommended - there's a lot more to see in NZ than you think!), or you haven't got the cash to support a year or two abroad without working, the two most sensible options to get to NZ are a basic return ticket, or an around the world ticket. Since prices for 12-month round the world tickets are only marginally more expensive than a return to Auckland or Christchurch, it's easily worth the extra time and money to explore a few other exotic countries while you're out there. Even if time constrictions prevent you from spending too much time out of NZ, you could always lessen the impact of jetlag by staying over a night or two in Hong Kong or Singapore. If long-haul flights really aren't your thing, you could add another stop in Dubai if you're heading over Asia, or a stopover on both the east and west coasts of North America. Although valid for six months, New Zealand Immigration allow a stay of nine months in an 18-month period.

I want to extend my round the world trip by working for a bit

A working holiday visa will allow you to work in New Zealand for up to a year, and stay for nearly two. These visas are well-suited to backpackers looking for casual work to supplement their adventures. Hospitality work in bars and hostels are a popular choice, but office temping and seasonal fruit-picking are also available. If you're on a round the world ticket, however, be wary of spending too much time in NZ –while your visa will last you up to 23 months of exploration (12 months of which is applicable for employment), a standard round the world ticket will only last you 12 months, so falling into the rhythm of working for several weeks in a location could mean you run short on time when you've still got several countries left to visit, or you might even overstay the length of your ticket altogether.

The easiest way to solve this is with an extended round the world ticket. Although harder to find, we have several listed in the Round The World section of the site that can last up to 22 months - a simple solution to realising you've only got three weeks to check out Thailand, Fiji, Japan and do that week of shopping in New York you've been looking forward to!

Whatever you choose, remember that New Zealand, like Australia, will only grant you a single working holiday visa ever. Don't waste it!

Top 3 Routes

Here's a quick idea of some of the most popular round the world routes that go via New Zealand:

1. London - Bangkok - Perth - Uluru - Cairns - over land to Sydney - Auckland - Fiji - New York - fr. £954

2. London - Tokyo - Perth - Cairns - Sydney - Christchurch overland to Auckland - LA - London - fr. £1030

3. London - Singapore - Darwin - over land To Perth - Uluru - Sydney - Christchurch - over land to Auckland - Fiji - LA - fr. £954

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/rtw_flights

CALL OUR SPECIALIST TEAM ON:

0845 3 447 667

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (calls charged at local rates)

gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

Visas for New Zealand

Unless you're an Australian citizen, you'll need some sort of visa to set foot in New Zealand. Fortunately, we've made things simple for you. You'll typically be looking for one of the three choices below. Make sure you understand the difference between a visa and a permit - a visa is applied for while overseas, while a permit is applied for once you're within the NZ borders.

1. Tourist Visas

A visitor visa for New Zealand is pleasantly easy to sort out if you're a permanent UK resident. Just turn up at the airport in Christchurch, Auckland or Wellington and hand over your passport, and you'll get a six-month visitor visa absolutely free! No forms, no hassle, no worries.

It's also possible to extend the length of your stay in New Zealand to up to nine months by contacting the New Zealand Immigration services. This can also be done online, although you will need a valid VISA or Mastercard to pay the NZ$80 (approx. £28) fee for the extension, they'll require proof of your onwards travel at the end of your ninth month. If you decide once you're there that you want to stay a bit longer, you should be able to extend your ETA to last you an extra three months. To do this, go to an immigration office in Australia.

2. Working Holiday Visa

To apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa, there are several requirements that you'll need to meet. NZ Immigration will only grant visas to childless tourists over 18 and under 30, and you must have a return ticket (or funds with which to buy one). They also ask that you have at least NZ$350 (£125) per month to support yourself, and that you meet various health and character requirements, so make sure you're on your best behaviour! It only costs £45 to apply for the working holiday scheme, but remember you can only obtain one working holiday visa in New Zealand in your lifetime, so be sure to enjoy it!

If you are already in New Zealand on a valid permit or visa, you can apply for a working holiday visa by using the online service supplied by NZ Immigration, or by contacting them directly. An online permit/visa is a print-out that you need to keep with you at all times, while the offline working visa is a label stuck inside your passport.

As of November 2005, you are able to choose either a 12-month or 23-month stay in New Zealand, although additional paperwork is needed if you're planning on the 23-month trip, including a medical chest and x-ray certificate (to supply with your visa application). Bear in mind that applicants requiring ongoing medical care, such as dialysis, or with conditions like TB, are likely to have their applications declined (although to be fair, if you've got TB, it's unlikely you're looking for a holiday right now). If you're applying for the 12-month working holiday visa while you're in New Zealand, you'll be required to produce all the medical certificates required for the 23-month trip.

Conveniently, your working holiday visa comes with multiple entry visas - the Kiwi government don't mind if you leave New Zealand and come back, as long as it's within the length of time specified by your work permit/ visa. Time you spend abroad, unfortunately, won't be added to the length of time you're allowed to work. Once you hit the 12-month limit, that's your lot.

3. Student Visas

Before applying for the student visa or permit, you need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider. This must include the name and location of the course, proof that the course is available to international students, and the fees (if any) that you are required to pay. The length of your course is also an important factor in whether or not your visa or permit will be granted. If your course is less than three months, as a British resident you'll be able to study under the standard free visitor visa (see above). However, if your course is between three and nine months, you can either try to extend your visitor visa or you can apply for a student visa. If you'll be studying for nine months, you'll need to provide NZ Immigration with proof you'll have access to NZ$1000 per month, and an additional NZ$400 per month to pay for accommodation, or proof your accommodation has already been paid for. A course that lasts longer than nine months requires proof of NZ$10,000 per year to cover living costs.

The student visa granted by the NZ government lasts for a year, but as many courses will last longer than this the visa is renewable. Currently, the student visa costs £80 - make sure to arrange your visa at least two months before your course is due to start, as it can take over a month to process - and the permit, if you decide you'd like to study once you're over there (applicable from within New Zealand only) costs NZ$120 (£42). Bear in mind that the student visa is not a working visa. You will be required to show you are attending your place of education, and that you are passing your course - so no slacking! You are allowed to gain part-time employment while studying full-time, however. This can take the form of practical work experience for your course, over the Christmas period if you are in full-time education, and up to 20 hours a week if you're at university and your course is longer than two years.

For further information on visas in New Zealand, have a look at: gapyear.com/visas/in/new_zealand

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/visas

Weather Map

for help planning a trip to New Zealand call: 0845 3 447 667 or email: gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

When to visit...

New Zealand is in a league of its own when it comes to unpredictable weather. A sunny morning in mid-January can be pouring down by late evening, and mild winds from the west in late autumn can be gale-force by the middle of winter. The summer months are, naturally, the most popular with backpackers as it allows them to escape the chilly British winter, but it doesn't change the fact that the only real way to prepare for a trip to NZ is to pack for every conceivable weather condition you can think of!

AUCKLAND

Summer (November-April)

Average Max: 23.8°C

Average Min: 12°C

Rainy days per season: 8

Don't forget your: summer raincoat

Winter (May - October)

Average Max: 15°C

Average Min: 9°C

Rainy days per season: 15

Don't forget your: warm top

WELLINGTON

Summer

Average Max: 20°C

Average Min: 13°C

Rainy days per season: 7

Don't forget your: sunglasses

Winter

Average Max: 12°C

Average Min: 6°C

Rainy days per season: 13

Don't forget your: wind-proof jacket

CHRISTCHURCH

Summer

Average Max: 22°C

Average Min: 12°C

Rainy days per season: 7

Don't forget your: fleece

Winter

Average Max: 12°C

Average Min: 3°C

Rainy days per season: 7

Don't forget your: thermal underwear

1. January - More FM Pro Tour Intl. Beach Volleyball

Not one to miss if you're a volleyball fan, the More FM tour makes great use of Main Beach at Mt. Maunganui.

2. January - Sand to Surf Swim

A challenging swim on one of New Zealand most impressive beaches, the Main Beach at Mt. Maunganui. Entry is at the discretion of the Mt. Maunganui Surf Club.

3. February-March– New Zealand Fringe Festival (Wellington)

A huge multi-media event including dance, music, visual art and theatre.

4. March - Auckland Festival

A huge get-together of dancers, musicians, directors and actors descend on Auckland for their biennial festival.

5. March - Dragonboat Festival

Moving between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch (check your dates for your specific location), the Dragonboat Festival promises plenty of fun with boats. Possibly dragons too.

6. May-June - NZ International Comedy Festival

Touring the length of New Zealand, Oddfellows' NZ International festival comprises multiple acts for maximum hilarity. Allegedly, anyway. You'll have to judge for yourself.

7. June - July - Queenstown Winter Festival

A ten day celebration of winter in the Southern Alps that's been running for nearly 30 years and attracts international attention from Oz, the US, Japan, and even further afield.

8. July - Dunedin Chocolate Festival

What better way to celebrate winter in the home of Dunedin's Cadbury factory than with vast quantities of chocolate? Highlights include jaffa-cake racing, chocolate sculpting, chocolate making, chocolate magic, and chocolate chocolate.

9. October - Tauranga Arts Festival

A biannual event featuring dance, music and art worth a visit for any culture vulture.

10. December - Opotiki Rodeo

A great event for anybody fond of horses, cowboys, or the potential for some serious injury. There's even an open 700kg bull ride with NZ$1000 worth of prize money - fancy a tumble?

11. December - January - Black Barn Open Air Cinema

An open air film festival at Havelock North, just south of Napier, in a purpose-built ampitheatre.

12. December 31st– New Years Eve Mardi Gras, Rotorua

It's been running for over half a century, and attracts tens of thousands of people each year. A family-friendly alcohol-free event, the Mardi Gras features local and national performers, with a fireworks display to bring in the new year.

for help planning a trip to New Zealand call: 0845 3 447 667 or email: gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

1. Northland

The 'winterless North' boasts some fantastic weather, and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a great way to see the best that both east and west have to offer.

the office chair

2. The Bay of Islands

There's some spectacular scenery on the 144 separate islands, and with dolphin and whale-watching to boot you've got no excuse not to spend a weekend here!

3. The Bay of Plenty

With some awesome diving, as well as excellent surfing and untouched wild forests, no itinerary would be complete without a trip to the Bay of Plenty!

4. Thermal activity at Rotorua

When there's steam rising from the cracks in the pavement and huge gaping holes full of boiling sulphuric mud in the ground at the local park, you soon realise Rotorua's vaunted thermal geysers aren't just a lot of hot air (sorry!).

5. Tongariro National Park

Home to the Tongariro Crossing, the best one-day hike in New Zealand, the Park is home to volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and some of the most inspiring views you'll ever see.

6. Lake Taupo

One for the fishermen out there, Lake Taupo (NZ's largest lake) is considered one of the best trout fisheries in the world.

7. Napier

Currently in contest with Miami for the title of 'World's Most Art Deco City', Napier is worth a look if you're a big '30s architecture fan. Also a great base to Hawkes Bay exploration.

8. Arthur's Pass National Park

Nestled in the Southern Alps, the Park is a unique hybrid of rainforest and alpine mountainside, best viewed from the Tranz-Alpine Train (leaving daily from Christchurch and Greymouth).

9. Christchurch

A home away from home, Christchurch is the most English city outside the UK, complete with an English-style public school and Cathedral Square acting as the city centre.

10. The West Coast

Home to two of the best climbable glaciers in New Zealand, the notoriously wet coastline holds plenty of superb forest walks and some fantastic watersports.

11. Mt. Cook

Aka Aoraki.New Zealand's highest point, and a challenging technical climb for any aspiring mountineers.

12. Fiordland National Park

Some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery can be found in Fiordland, whether it's the ferry trip on Milford Sound or hiking the Milford trail.

for help planning a trip to New Zealand call: 0845 3 447 667 or email: gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

Backpacker Tours and Activities

1. Swim with dolphins in Northland

It's one of those things that everybody wants to do at some point, so why not do it here?

2. The Auckland Bridge Climb/Bungy jump

Climb to the middle of the Auckland harbour bridge...then throw yourself off it! Simple, to the point, and typically Kiwi.

3. Black-water Rafting at Waitomo Caves

Jump into an inner tube and leap into an underground river on unforgettable trip under glow-worm studded cavern ceilings. The wetsuit is provided. The guts to jump off a waterfall aren't.

4. Zorbing and Luging at Rotorua

Although Zorbing is increasingly global, this is where it started. Jump in to a hamster ball and roll down a hill. Alternatively, hop into a plastic soapbox and race your best friend down instead.

5. The Winter Tongariro Crossing

The tour across the Tongariro National Park is guided in winter, due to the alpine risks, and there are several operators running daily trips (weather permitting). Expect a lot of snow and wind.

6. Explore Middle-Earth from Wellington

Take a tour of the film sites of Lord of the Rings from the NZ capital - but don't expect any sets! You'll eat at the Chocolate Fish café used by the stars, peek into Peter Jackson's studio and even drive past the house of the great man himself! Particularly suited for experienced stalkers.

7. Dive on Marlborough Sound

Considered to contain some of best diving in New Zealand, Marlborough Sound is easy to access from Picton. The wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov, largest cruiser to sink since the Titanic!

8. Hike the Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers

Fox Glacier is a gentle slope. Franz Josef is the steep and aggressive one. Neither are related to any sort of minty sweet.

9. Take the ferry across Milford Sound

Something of a staple for backpackers in New Zealand, Milford Sound is jawdroppingly beautiful, with tremendous mountains crashing down into the Tasman sea. Not a trip to miss.

10. Do something in Queenstown

Speedboating down the Shotover River? Bungy jumping from AJ Hackett's bungy site (the world's first)? Queenstown offers something for every thrill-seeker. Also included are skiing, kayaking, white-water rafting, heliskiing and plenty more.

11. Visit Speight's Brewery & Cadbury Factory in Dunedin

Beer and chocolate - what could be better than putting the premier factories for both in the same city? A reduced ticket to see both is available at either outlet.

12. Go on a nature expedition to the Otago Peninsula

Home to nesting sites for albatross, sea lions, fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins, the Otago Peninsula has some of New Zealand's top nature reserves.

for help planning a trip to New Zealand call: 0845 3 447 667 or email: gapyear.com@statravel.co.uk

Dan's Trip Around New Zealand

My best bits

North Island

1 - Leaping off an underground waterfall at the Waitomo caves - after being told a badly judged jump would result in a pair of broken legs! The glow-worms and the adrenaline rush more than made up for it, mind you.

2 - Cactus Jack's Hostel in Rotorua - my favourite hostel ever. Mexican themed, clean and cheerful, with some fantastic staff that make you feel less like guests and more like part of the family.

3 - Zorbing for the first time - I'd been looking forward to doing something this stupid long before I got to Rotorua. Climbing inside a giant inflatable rubber ball and rolling down a hill might sound a little daft, but you won't be able to find another experience on the planet to match it.

4 - The Tongariro Crossing. This was the walk that turned me from a couch potato into an avid hiker. From the towering peaks of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe to the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lake and the opaque Emerald Lakes, this is the one thing you have to do in New Zealand. South Island

5 - Taking the Tranz-Alpine, considered one of the best train journeys in the world. Leaving Christchurch and crossing the Canterbury plains, the train ascends into the Southern Alps and rises to a height of 920m above sea level, before a slow descent through beech forest to Greymouth. An utterly incredibly trip.

6 - Taking the ferry out across Milford Sound and finding ourselves being followed back to port by a pod of leaping dolphins - I'd never seen them in the wild before and it was a magical experience.

7 - Franz Josef Glacier. My second climb on the Franz Josef was two years after my first, and was completely different - the icefalls were steeper and more extreme, and the terminal face was noticably higher. It also meant the more exciting features, such as ice tunnels and caves, were available to climbers much lower down. A fantastic day adventure for all abilities, unless hill-climbing really ain't your thing!

8 - Climbing the world's steepest street in Dunedin...at 7.30 in the morning! A great way to follow up a lazy day at Speight's Brewery and the Cadbury factory...not!

9 - Seeing not one, not two, but three albatross in flight over the Otago Peninsula in a single afternoon. Usually, our guide told us, there's an appearance of a single albatross (for only twenty minutes!) once a fortnight.

10 - Bob's Peak, Queenstown. Rather than taking the 10-minute gondola ride up to the mountain directly overlooking Queenstown, I decided not to wimp out and hiked up instead - it took me about 4 hours and provided me with some of the best photographs I've ever taken. Proof that the easy option doesn't always produce the best results!

11 - The Tranz-Coastal train - I'm a big fan of train journeys as it is, and the partner journey to the Tranz-Alpine takes you up the coast between Christchurch and Picton, past rocks strewn with sleeping fur seals and sea lions, and even offers the occasional dolphin!

Recommended Hostels

Hostels & Accommodation

New Zealand is renowned for having some of the best accommodation on the planet. As an increasingly popular destination for backpackers, many of the hostels (or "Backpackers") have to compete to offer better service, facilities and freebies. It's almost impossible to turn up at a destination and have nowhere to stay (although Queenstown in winter may require booking ahead, as the ski season tends to dominate the local hostels around the June-July period). The hardest choice you'll have is whether to choose the hostel on the shore of the glacial lake, the one with views of Mt. Cook, the highest point in New Zealand, the one with the (free!) heated outdoor pool or the one with the best discount on local activities.

1 - Auckland - Base ACB

Address: L3, 229 Queen Street, Cnr Darby Street, Auckland

About Auckland Central Backpackers

Auckland Central Backpackers is one of four unique and friendly Beyond Backpackers properties across New Zealand providing a full range of world class, centrally located backpacker accommodation from private ensuites to share rooms.

ACB boasts...

• Free beer on arrival
• Free nightly barbeques with free Vodka Punch
• The famous Globe bar for nightly entertainment and theme nights.
• Beyond Travel; where you can book adventure activities and
• Job Search centre and visa and immigration assistance.
• A 24hr internet cafe.
• 24hr café.
• Two Sky TV lounges.
• Chill out lounge area.
• Modern kitchen, dining and laundry facilities.

Rates

Expect to pay $32 (approx £11.50) for a dorm room. However, discounts and deals are often available. Double rooms are around $88 (approx. £31.50) - and if you're feeling a little bit posh, you can stay in your own single room your own for $112 (approx $40).

Gapyear.com says...

We only give the best of the best our gapyear.com gold award and Auckland Central Backpackers really is the best. Enjoy the Globe Bar, 24 hour access, nightly barbeques - with free punch! - and assistance in bagging a job whilst you are in NZ.

Then there's Beyond Travel, the ACB on-site travel centre with exclusive discounts and deals for backpackers on everything from bus tours to snowboarding. Clean, with friendly staff, a variety of room types, starter packs to make your first nights in NZ even easier - ACB know what backpackers want and aren't afraid to give it to them!

Auckland Central Backpackers say...

Welcome to the heart of Auckland! Get your New Zealand trip sorted at Auckland Central Backpackers (ACB) with starter accommodation packages; ski packages, work packages for travellers with working holiday visas; and language study and accommodation packages.

The friendly local staff will ensure that you experience the best of New Zealand's scenery, culture and adventure activities. It's an easy five minute walk to central train, bus and ferry terminals and the airport bus stops at the doorstep. Main shopping, café and restaurant areas, the city's museums, galleries and theatres are all around ACB. You really will be in the heart of this great city - this hostel is in an ideal location for you to begin your tour of Auckland.

Recommended Hostels

2 - Bay of Islands: Pipi Patch Lodge

They say...

Welcome to the stunning Bay of Islands! Pipi Patch provides friendly and clean accommodation just metres from the beach and only two minutes walk from Paihia wharf, shops and cafes, and the main tour buses stop at our door.

The friendly local staff will ensure that you experience the best of Northland's amazing beaches and scenery, culture, history and adventure activities.

The Pipi Patch also has...

• Free two for one beer voucher on check-in
• A spa and swimming pool
• The Pipi Patch Bar where you can party with travellers and meet the locals!
• Nightly barbeques
• Beyond Travel; where you can book adventure activities and onward travel from the hostel
• TV lounge and sundeck chill out area
• Modern kitchen, dining and laundry facilities

We say...

Pipi Patch Lodge is one of four unique and friendly Beyond Backpackers properties across New Zealand providing a full range of world class, centrally located backpacker accommodation from private units to share rooms.

3 - Rotorua: Hot Rock Backpackers

They say...

Welcome to the heart of Rotorua! Hot Rock provides friendly and clean accommodation overlooking Kuirau geothermal park and just minutes walk from the shops and cafes. The main tour buses stop at the front door. Our friendly local staff will ensure that you experience the best of Rotorua's amazing geothermal activity, maori culture, history and adventure activities.

The Hot Rock also has...

• Two hot mineral pools and a swimming pool.
• The Lava Bar; Rotorua's hottest nightspot!
• Beyond Travel; book adventure activities and onward travel direct from the hostel.
• TV lounge and sundeck chill out area.
• Modern kitchen, dining and laundry facilities.

We say...

Hot Rock Backpackers, another Gapyear.com Gold Award winner, offers backpackers two hot mineral pools, a swimming pool, travel and activity-booking services, TV lounge and sundeck, and the full range of accommodation from dorm beds to private doubles with ensuites. Add the Lava Bar to the mix and you've got a hostel that'll keep you entertained night and day!

4 - Wellington: Nomads Capital

They say...

This hostel is a brand-new 'Flashpackers' - that's fancy backpackers - in Wellington. Offering topnotch facilites, a cracking location, help in bagging a job and booking tours and ultra-friendly staff, it's easy to see why they call themselves flash. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is buzzing, and they ensure guests are secure with swipecards and rentable padlocks. A top place to stay...

We say...

There is no better place to explore Wellington, New Zealand's beautiful harbour-bound capital than this hostel. Spend your days exploring this funky, energetic city and your evenings making the most of the nightly events in the on-site Blends cafe and bar. Plus they offer a wide range of rooms including female-only dorms, fully equipped kitchen and dining areas and comfy TV and DVD lounge too. Truly a home away from home.

5 - Christchurch: Kiwi House

They say...

Kiwi House is the backpacker hostel in New Zealand. Completely unique accommodation, you can stay for only one night, a few weeks or a few months! We offer weekly rates. so the longer you stay, the cheaper you pay! Enjoy free saunas every Tuesday, frequent BBQs and shuttle buses to the mountains too. We are looking forward to meeting you...

We say...

Looking for a 'home away from home' on the other side of the world? If so Kiwi House is the hostel for you. Their multi-lingual staff are super-friendly and will really go that extra mile to make sure your stay is perfect. The community atmosphere in this place is hard to beat - how many hostels do you know that boast free haircuts, free saunas, a communal herb garden and frequent patio BBQs?

6 - Queenstown: Discovery Lodge

They say...

Welcome to the heart of Queenstown! Main shopping, bars, café and restaurant areas are all around Discovery Lodge, and most of the rooms have balconies looking out to the lake and mountains. Built in 2004, the Discovery Lodge is new, with completely modern facilities and a bathroom adjoining every room.

We say...

With a free two-for-one beer on check-in, what better way to welcome you to the extreme sports capital of the country? With a job-search centre, 24hr internet, the Altitude Bar and Café and a plasma-screen TV lounge, how could things possibly get any more comfortable? There's so much to do in Queenstown, but with accommodation this posh, you won't want to leave the hostel! (Oh, and private en-suite rooms come with DVD and CD player included - posh or what?)

TO BOOK THESE AND OTHER HOSTELS GO TO: www.gapyear.com

CLAIM YOUR FREEBIES AT OUR RECOMMENDED HOSTELS

Hands up who likes free beer? Hands up who likes free food? Anyone here keen on free internet access? Thought so. Here at gapyear.com, we know what makes your hearts beat faster than the prospect of flinging yourself off a bridge with a little bit of elastic tied to your ankles and that's free stuff! Which is why a number of our recommended hostels offer you an assortment of freebies just for bedding down at their place! Free beers, free food and free internet can all be yours with these vouchers.

Just print this page off and present the relevant voucher at the reception of the hostel. Then hotfoot it to the bar/restaurant/internet cafe bidding a silent thanks to your good mates at gapyear.com...

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Hot Rock, Rotorua

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought! Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Pipi Patch, Paihia

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought! Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Auckland Central Backpackers, Auckland, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart of Beyond Backpackers Lodge.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Discovery Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

One free beer per person. Offer not available at the Balcony Bar

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Ben Stuart at Beyond Backpackers.

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Nomads Capital, Wellington, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

TWO FREE BEERS!

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Kiwi House, Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy two free beers courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com. As you're sipping your complimentary drinks, please spare us a thought!

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Noriko T. Stoutjesdijk of The Kiwi House.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

15 MINUTES FREE INTERNET ACCESS

For gapyear.com members who stay at

Nomads Capital, Wellington, New Zealand

Enjoy free internet access courtesy of your good friends at gapyear.com.

As you're browsing and emailing away, why not drop us a line and and say hi?

Remember we always want to hear from you guys, so why not email us a photo of you and your beers to cheers@gapyear.com? We'll then put you up on gapyear.com for all to see.

Have fun and travel safely...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer - one voucher per person, per hostel only.

Authorisation: This voucher has been authorised by Shannon Smith at Nomads World Hostels.

Working in New Zealand

Because New Zealand is a natural half-way stopping point for those backpackers making their way round the world, it follows that quite a few travellers are running low on cash by the time they get there!

Working when you're backpacking, however, isn't just about earning enough cash to buy a ticket to your next destination. It's an experience to work in another country, whether you're helping to harvest berries near Taupo(ideally between September and December) or assisting on a sheep farm on the Canterbury plains, you'll be able to go home and bore all your friends senseless with countless tales of what New Zealand is really like (those casual backpackers just don't have a clue, do they?). It's exciting, it's different, and it can earn you money! What are you waiting for?

Harvest hilarity

There are crops growing in NZ all year round, so you'll never find yourself with nowhere to earn. Particularly popular are Blenheim, 30k south of Picton, and Tauranga, found near Taupo on the North Island. Tauranga is well known for the quality of its Kiwi fruit, while Blenheim has some of the most prestigious vineyards in the country. We highly recommend fruit-picking as summer work, as you are paid in proportion to the amount you pick, while in winter the weather is a lot worse and the pay less lucrative.

Another great spot to visit is Hastings - between the months of October and June there are approximately 80,000 job vacancies that need filling. The peak time for seasonal work is mid-Feburary to early May; it's the apple-picking season, and it shouldn't be too difficult to find a job, since there a projected 50,000 extra workers needed. The work will be hot and tough, but a good work ethic could see you earning a fair bit of cash. In the winter months of June to September, jobs are available, although they're harder to lcate, and you'll probably be required to stay until the end of winter. Rather than picking, you'll be pruing and weeding, so don't expect anything too glamorous.

Harvest work does, of course, depend on the weather. As a general rule, Kiwi summers are hot and pleasant, but always be prepared for a sharp downturn in the number of available jobs if the weather gets worse.

Help a hostel

It might not be the most glamorous way to pass your time, but you'll often find hostels offering a free bed for the night for anybody willing to muck in with the cleaning and day-to-day running of the establishment. It's a great way to operate - you mop some floors, or answer the phone a few times, and you get a free night (saving you anything from NZ$20 upwards)! No need to do anything unneccesary, like working too hard or actually having to leave the building to earn something.

If you're looking to get some free nights at a hostel, it's often the smaller, family-run businesses that are more willing and flexible - some of the chain hostels can have stricter regulations about who does what, so find yourself a small and cosy hostel without too many staff, have a chat with them at the front desk and see what comes of it!

Hospitality on holiday

"Working in a hotel is very rewarding and for someone like me who has never worked in hospitality before, you will be surprised how quickly you pick up skills, confidence and knowledge in the hectic industry. Many of my work experiences from New Zealand have also been valuable in post-university job applications since I have been home."

Nina Chell

Restaurant, hotel and bar work are fairly standard the world over. Whether it's a local pub in Queenstown or a four-star hotel in Auckland, there are jobs aplenty in the hospitality industry. Experience always helps when applying for these, since employers are often looking for staff willing to start yesterday and if you can jump in at the deep end you'll have the edge on any other applicants - why not get yourself a part-time bar job in the UK in order to learn the ropes?

Farmyard Frolics

We know that sounds like a porn title, and we don't care, so you can stop sniggering. One of the best ways to experience genuine Kiwi life is to stay with an NZ family on a farmstay. Available to organize through the WWoOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) or FHiNZ (Farm Helpers in New Zealand), it's easy to sort out staying a week or more on a Kiwi farm, assisting with livestock, harvest and construction work. The positions are generally unpaid, but in return for your assistance, your host will supply, at minimum, food and a bed, so it's a great way to massively reduce the cost of your living expenses as you move round.

Office options

This is only a practical option when you're in one of the larger cities of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Although positions will be available in smaller communities, it'll be tough to track them down and much harder to get them. However, office temp work can frequently pay more than bar work, so it's definitely worth a look if you're going to be in the cities for a while. One of the easiest ways of nailing a position is to apply through an office temping agency - once you've left your details with them, city businesses will ask the agency for the names of applicants suitable for roles like data-entry or call-centre work. Ensure the agency knows who you are by chasing them up and calling them regularly.

It isn't really recommended to bank on finding a job in the extreme sports industry - although it's big business in New Zealand, there's a lot more competition than in most fields. Even off-peak, it's very difficult to find a job in Queenstown - one story in the local paper followed a woman that had previously managed two international five-star hotels, yet was still unable to find a job working in hospitality in the resort in mid-winter! If you're desperate to work in Queenstown, get there early and off-peak - spring and autumn are the best times. Be keen - follow up applications with phone calls, but avoid being plain pushy.

Don't get too downhearted if you can't find a job in your first 24 hours of searching - there will be plenty of other people in your situation - vacancies will come and go daily, so be sure to keep on top of the local jobseekers office and all the noticeboards you can find on the internet. The city hostels, like Auckland Central, actually have an NZ Job Search centre inside the building, so you've really got no excuse not to be completely up-to-date with all the latest offers. Whatever happens, don't forget that you're in New Zealand to have fun, not to work - if you find yourself working your third thirty-hour week in a month, you need to get out and start bungy-jumping from bridges as soon as possible.

What Things Cost...

What Things Cost...

Haven't got a clue how much money you'll need? Use this section to get a rough idea of what to budget per day. Then add a nice chunk for treats (adventure activities, the occasional meal out and gifts for the folks back home), another chunk for emergencies and Bob's your uncle.

As a very rough guide, you'll get by on less than £20 a day if you stay in hostels, drink water, cook pasta and make your own fun. Double this if you plan to eat out, party hard and jump off things. Most backpackers end up somewhere between the two.

Accommodation

New Zealand has an excellent network of backpacker hostels where the majority of budget travellers choose to sleep and socialise. As well as a bed, your money will get you access to a kitchen with cooking equipment and some kind of sociable chill-out area. You may also get breakfast, internet access, discounts on tours, laundry facilities, social activities such as barbecues and free use of a swimming pool thrown in, so this is great value for money.

Most people choose to stay in dorms, which sleep between four and 10 people. A bed in a dorm will set you back around 24 NZ$ (£8) per night. Most hostels also offer double rooms if you're travelling with your other half and fancy a bit of 'couple time' (nudge nudge). These cost - on average - 65 NZ$ a night (£22, or £11 per person).

New Zealand also has loads of camp sites, though you may have to look a bit harder to find them. It's worth it though - many are in gorgeous, remote locations and fabulously cheap. Expect to pay around 11 NZ$ (£4) per person per night.

Food and drink

As a general rule, standard backpacking groceries are slightly cheaper than their British counterparts, so eating healthy will be easy - don't forget your five a day! Pasta and rice (staples of the backpacker diet for their price-to-filling ratio are as inexpensive in NZ as everywhere else, so stocking up on dishes and sauces to go with them always makes good sense. Fast food, such as McD's or KFC, are around the same price as the UK. Tap water is safe to drink, but river water rarely is and can be quite dangerous - if you're off on a day out, make sure to take a Platypus water bottle or something similar filled with clean water.

The only real horror story to Kiwi prices is their chocolate - it can be up to twice the price of the same bar in the UK, so it might pay to stock up before you leave (or check out the discount store at the Cadbury factory in Dunedin!).

Nightlife

Unless you're in one of the bigger cities, like Auckland or Wellington, the club scene in New Zealand isn't as obvious as the one back home. Most often, hostels will have deals with local bars and, because Kiwi beer comes in sensible quantities, rather than pints, you can often feel as though you're being overcharged, depending on where in the UK you live. NZ$5 is around an average price for a 'handle' of beer, which is around 2/3 of a pint. Whatever you do, remember that clubbing is an international activity, and it's often worth the early night to do something uniquely Kiwi the following morning, instead of lying hungover in the aftermath of a fairly uniform night on the town.

Tours and activities

If you're not careful, this is where all your money will quickly disappear. Because of the sheer number of tours and activities on offer in NZ, it can be very easy to overspend quickly, and spend the last two weeks of your trip living on bread and water and sleeping in a cardboard box. We don't want that.

Bus tours, depending on length, can cost between NZ$300 and $1000 - sometimes even more - and activities can cost you anything from $45 for zorbing to $350 and more for a skydive. The best way to approach New Zealand is to know what you want to do before you get there. That way, the temptation of just one more rafting trip will have already been overcome prior to arriving in Queenstown, and the money can be spent (far more sensibly) on a bed for the night.

ROUGH COSTS CHART

Our conversion rate was £1 (GBP) to $2.81 (NZD)

Product / Item to buy	£0.60	$1.69
Loaf of sliced, white bread	£0.60	$1.69
Big Mac	£1.58	$4.45
A' handle' of beer (in a bar)	£1.77	$5
A 6-pack of Heineken beer (6x330ml)	£5.33	$15.01
1.25 litre of bottled water	£0.66	$1.85
1 litre bottle of milk	£0.66	$1.85
8 pack of Coca Cola (375ml cans)	£2.92	$8.23
Bag of pasta (500g)	£0.35	$0.99
Chocolate (340g Dairy Milk)	£1.91	$5.39
Shampoo (Pantene 'classic' 400ml)	£3.46	$9.75
Bus ticket for a 5 hour journey (eg Taupo to Auckland)	£16.32	$46
Bus ticket for an 10 hour journey (eg Wellington to Auckland)	£31.58	$89
One day's car hire (if you're hiring for over a month)	£12.42	$35
One day's car hire (if you're hiring for under a month)	£16	$45
One day's camper van hire (low season)	£21.29	$60
One day's camper van hire (peak season)	£62.10	$175
One litre of petrol	£0.53	$1.50
Single flight - Auckland to Wellington	£40.46	$114
Single flight - Auckland to Christchurch	£51	$144
Magic Bus Pass (off-peak) - Christchurch to Auckland	£213	$600
Entrance to a nightclub	£3.56	$10
A night in a hostel dorm	£8.52	$24
Bungy jump (AJ Hackett, Queenstown)	£58.55	$165
Tongariro Crossing Hike	£16.32	$46
Glacier Hike (full day)	£53.23	$150
Waitomo Caving Trip	£32	$90
Skydiving over Taupo	£88.36	$249
'Hobbiton' tour from Rotorua	£33	$93

* All price conversions are approximate for GUIDE ONLY (don't blame us if slightly wrong!)

Adventurous Activities

New Zealand is, without a doubt, the extreme sports capital of the world. They invented bungy jumping, zorbing, and plenty of other risky, dangerous, and plain suicidal past-times. We think it's because they've got so many mountains - once you've climbed all the way up them, the only real option left is to jump off them. The real question is - where are the sites, and can they be fitted into your trip?

1. Bungy jump - Queenstown

The appeal of bungy jumping is a constant mystery to most folks. It's a fancy rubber band and a very long way to fall. The AJ Hacketts jump site near Queenstown was the world's first bungy site, and has been in business for almost 20 years. At 43 metres it isn't the tallest, but it's a piece of history you can't miss out on.

2. Zorbing - Rotorua

This is where the latest New Zealand phenomenon began. With sites in England, Australia and the States, the desire to roll down a hill in a ball has clearly been a long-buried facet of the human psyche just waiting to break free. Wet and dry rides available to those who enjoy a little variety.

3. Jetboating - Queenstown

Queenstown hosts plenty of high-speed sports that don't involve falling from things - one of their most popular is a jetboat trip up the Shotover canyon , including their trademark 360° spin to put your adrenaline levels through the roof.

4. Scuba diving - Marlborough Sound

On the northern coast of the south island, Marlborough Sound is considered New Zealand's best dive sites. With cave systems near Nelson and wreck diving in the Sound, it's the total opposite of the Barrier Reef of nearby Australia. Great diving can also be found at Kaikoura, north of Christchurch.

5. Skydiving - Nelson/Taupo

Regardless of which island you're exploring, there's always somewhere a little bit higher to jump from. Various tour operators offer both solo and tandem skydiving, and the Nelson and Taupo sites offer the best of each island. At Nelson you're granted unbelievable views of the Southern Alps and of the Abel Tasman National Park, while Taupo allows you the vista of the Tongariro National Park, complete with Mount Doom, and an unprecedented view of Lake Taupo, NZ's largest lake.

6. Rock Climbing - Auckland/Arthur's Pass

As you'd expect from a country with more moutains than common sense, there are rock-climbing sites abound all over the country. Auckland will be easily accessible to most backpackers, while Arthur's Pass, although a little more tricky to get to, offers a higher altitude the substantially better scenery of the Southern Alps. What better way to get high downunder?

(Climbing trips usually need to be self-organised; Arthur's Pass in particular is recommended for experienced climbers only)

7. Caving - Nelson/Waitomo

It's been mentioned already, but it must be stressed that the caving in New Zealand is fantastic. Whether it's black-water rafting or regular caving/canyoning at Waitomo, the glow-worms will provide you with a memory you'll never forget, while the Takaka cave systems at Nelson are among the longest and deepest in the world - perfect for the budding explorers out there.

8. Mountain Biking - Auckland/Rotorua/Queenstown

An alternative to descending a mountain that doesn't involve a terminal velocity or a parachute (for a change), NZ offers unparalleled mountain biking in the exotic forests of Auckland, the challenge circuits of Rotorua or the alpine ridges of Queenstown. Whatever style pushes your pedal, there'll be something there for you.

9. Hiking - Everywhere

If you don't tramp a single route while you're in New Zealand, you can pretty much consider it a wasted trip. Even going down to the shops in a rural area feels like the beginning of a great expedition, and the fantastic thing about this country is that everywhere has something to offer, not just the national parks. The real hikers out there should be taking the multiple-day trips in Milford or Tongariro, but there are plenty of day trips and tours to secluded spots that'll still allow you get as close to nature as you feel necessary. Toilets not necessarily included.

The Great Walks

The Great Walks of New Zealand are rated by the Kiwi Department of Conservation (DoC) as the country's premier walking tracks in the best scenery NZ has to offer. Many of them are multi-day routes, but the DoC has placed huts at regular intervals along all the routes to prevent the need for hikers to set up tents or light campfires in the National Parks.

Before setting off along the Milford or Routeburn trails, remember that you'll need to buy a pass to use the huts - these routes are heavily populated in the peak season of October to April, and you'll need to book ahead. Most of the huts cost between NZ$20 and $30 per adult per night (although the cost is much lower in the off-peak season). The Milford Track, however, requires booking all three nights at once at a fee of $120 - it's the most expensive Great Walk, and well worth the extra cash.

Must-have hiking equipment:

• Plenty of food!
• Warm clothes (dress in layers)
• A good quality raincoat
• A fuel stove (where required)
• Cooking/eating utensils??
• A pack liner/plastic bags to keep your stuff dry!
• Sleeping bag
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• A torch
• Matches
• Your camera!

All Great Walk huts are equipped with mattresses, cold water, hand washing, sinks, toilets and heating. In the off-peak season, some huts are not heated or manned, so make sure you plan carefully - it can get very cold! Huts on some routes will have cookers peak-season only, while others are not equipped with cooking facilities at all. Check the DoC website for more up-to-date information.

1. The Routeburn Track (2 - 3 days, 32km, moderate)

A moderate track joining Mount Aspiring with the Fiordland National Parks via the Harris Saddle. You'll see some spectacular waterfalls, forest valleys with rich bird life, lakes and some awesome scenery. Considered one of the best tracks on the South Island.

2. The Milford Track (5 days, 54km, moderate)

One of the most stunning walks in the world, the Milford Track stretches from Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point near Milford Sound. From glacially carved valleys to the alpine waterfalls, the Milford Track is a fantastic 5-day trek (although there's no walking on the fifth day).

3. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track (3 - 5 days, 51km, easy/moderate)

An easy/moderate trail through coastal forests and along sandy beaches. All the streams are bridged and it's a great walk for budding hikers.

4. The Heaphy Track (4 - 6 days, 82km, easy)

Set within the Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy track is an easy walk of up to 6 days. Tramp from the junction of the Brown and Aorere rivers over tussock downs to the forest and rough seas of the western coast.

5. The Tongariro Northern Circuit (4 - 5 days, distance can vary, easy/moderate)

Choose between the 7 - 8 hr 17km Tongariro Crossing - the best day hike in NZ - or the 4 - 5 day Tongariro Circuit, which takes you round the entire National Park. Either way you'll get stunning views of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, volcanic craters and glacial valleys. Utterly incredible - an absolute must if you've got good weather following you.

6. The Kepler Track (3 - 4 days, 60km, moderate)

Rated as moderate, the 60km 3 - 4 day Kepler Track travels through glacial valleys, along lake edges and through beech forest and alpine mountain tops.

7. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk (3 - 4 days, 46km, moderate)

Expect to see some incredible forest scenery and there's plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing too.

8. The Rakiura Track (3 days, 36km, moderate)

At 35km the Rakiura route is an easy 3 - day route for anyone of moderate fitness.

9. The Whanganui Journey

Winding its way down from the mountains to the Tasman Sea, the Whanganui river and trail pass through countless hills and valleys. Thick lowland forest surrounds the river in the middle and lower sections of the track, as you'll be trekking through the middle of Whanganui National Park.

Travelmates

The trouble with New Zealand is that, no matter how appealing it sounds, it's a bloody long way away and it does take a lot of effort to get yourself there. Although you may start with a few of you who are dead set on spending part of their gap year in NZ, lots of less committed souls will fall by the wayside. It's very common for one person from a group to be left thinking their travel plans are in ruins because all their mates have pulled out with not long to go.

If that sounds like you and despite everyone saying 'it's really easy to meet people out there', don't panic. For the last four years we've been running a very successful find a travelmate service for the many, many people in your situation.

Here are a few simple tips to help you find the perfect travelmate:

1. Post a message

Travelmates works on the messageboard system. You post a message telling people who you are and where you're going. While there are loads of people on there for you to choose from, the chances are that your new best friend is just browsing the boards too and hasn't posted already. Don't be shy!

2. Upload a photo

Uploading a photo to your profile means you'll have a much better chance of being contacted by an ideal travelmate. Our statistics show you'll improve your chances by, oh, let's say about a billion per cent. It's so much easier to send a message to someone if you know what they look like. Once you're a member of the site you can do this easily from your profile.

3. Be clear about where you're going and what you want to do

Whatever you do, don't post vaguely looking for a travelmate when you haven't even decided where you're going. It just looks like you're lazy as hell and are looking for someone to organise your whole trip and drag you around New Zealand by the ear. In essence, you'll sound like a complete nightmare. Work out where you want to go and be clear about the sort of things you'll want to be doing. It all gives you a better chance of finding the sort of travelmate who'll help to make it a trip of a lifetime.

4. Be sensible

All gapyear.com members are wonderful people, we want to hold your collective hands and skip carefree along the beach. However, you should always exercise a bit of caution when meeting up with somebody off a website, however wonderful/invaluable/genius that website may be. It's all quite simple, just make sure somebody knows where you're going, who you're meeting and when you expect to be back. Oh, and if you do have a lot of fun and decide to stay a bit later, let that person know...

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/travelmates

Keeping in Touch

Mobile phones

As with most things, apart from maybe decent tea and the ability to pronounce words properly, they have mobile phones in New Zealand too.

If you just want to make calls within NZ, then you can take your phone from home (make sure it's unlocked) and buy a Kiwi SIM card when you get there..

If you want to use your mobile to call home, or if you want a mobile you can use everywhere on your round the world trip, then you should look into buying a backpacker's SIM card. We think that generally the best one is from go-sim, but obviously you should shop around to see what suits you best.

Cheap international calls

How these work is that you / your parents / your friends set up an account which you can access through your home phone. Using Planet Talk as an example again - when you sign up you have to put a minimum of £10 in the account. You are then issued with a prefix number that you dial from your home phone before you dial the international number e.g. 1833. Calls are then charged at a cheap rate e.g. calls to New Zealand at about 5p per minute. You may be charged a small connection fee on each call, so read the small print.

Email

We are assuming that you all have email addresses. All we would suggest is that you change your name to a sensible one if you're worried that your granny might be offended by the public display of your sexual prowess hidden in your Hotmail name! Web-based accounts like Hotmail and gmail are obviously essential.

Useful tips

• Send yourself emails full of useful info, such as addresses, dates, phone numbers, insurance details, details of valuable stuff that might get damaged / stolen e.g. camera etc.
• Take time to set up your email address book properly with birthdays, addresses etc.
• Clear space now whilst you're not paying internet café rates. Save important stuff on your home PC

Instant Messenger

Nothing better than speaking live to mates who are working or studying whilst you are in an internet café overlooking the Remarkables!

Microsoft MSN Passport

This is the most popular Instant Messenger. Remember to get it set up properly now whilst you have the time.

Get all your mates on it and personalise it as you want.

Yahoo! Messenger

If your mates all Yahoo, probably best to go with this. Remember to get it set up properly now whilst you have the time. Get all your mates on it and personalise it as you want.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: gapyear.com/travelmates

...now plan your route...

Route Builder Map (example)

Route Builder Map

"Build Your Own" Around the World Trip!

Plan your travels in 3 easy steps...

1. Head onto gapyear.com

• Click on 'Around the world flights"
• Read the advice
• See what others say
• Start to plan

2. Find out more about the region / countries you are planning to visit

gapyear.com 'First Time' Series

We know how difficult it can be to work out how you can get around the countries you're going to, where to stay etc. - so our 'First Time' series covers exactly that.

• How to get around
• Where to stay
• Cool stuff to do

Not reams and reams of endless drivel.

Just the stuff you need!

3. Call or email our team to get it sorted!

Gapyear.com Travel Team at STA Travel

Our team is on hand waiting for you. If you know what you want to do, where you want to go and when they'll help you find the best prices and get it booked.

If you're unsure, nervous, completely stumped and have no idea and desperately need some help - you're similar to thousands of others we have spoken to before - so get in contact.

The gapyear.com team can:

• Find the perfect Round the World ticket that works for you
• Sort our transport like Oz, Kiwi & Feejee Experience and Greyhound
• Even help with travel insurance quotes

Most of them have been backpackers like you, so they know a thing or two about travel!

SAVE MONEY!

1. "MATE'S RATES"

If you are travelling with a partner, friend or a group then you qualify for 'gapyear.com MATE'S RATES' - which is essentially a 'bulk buy discount. It's worth having, as every penny counts right?

Remember to inform the team when you get in contact.

2. "BUY MORE...PAY LESS"

Our Travel Team can sell you most of the things you'll need for your full Around the World package. So if you buy everything in one hit - RTW Ticket, insurance, transport e.g. Oz Experience, visas etc. etc. they can give you a discount.

Simply ask about our multi-buy options.

FOR EXCLUSIVE GAPYEAR.COM TEAM OFFERS & ADVICE CALL 0845 3 447 667

0845 3 447 667

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9AM - 6PM | SATURDAY: 10AM - 4PM

gapyear.com TEAM AT STA TRAVEL

GAPYEAR.COM@STATRAVEL.CO.UK